By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
Name: Erica Conrad
Parents: Jen and Eric Conrad
Activities: Cross country, soccer, track and field
Twitter: @conrad_erica
Nickname: Econ
Erica Conrad is a senior at Ashwaubenon High School who has participated in four sports throughout her years in high school.
She said American professional soccer player Megan Rapinoe is a person she’d love to be for a day.
Discuss the experience at the state cross country meet in Wisconsin Rapids.
“It was an amazing experience for my entire family. The atmosphere was something I will never forget and something everyone should be able to experience. It was a cold, windy and snowy day – not ideal conditions, but we made the best of it.”
What teammate would you like to be trapped with on a deserted island?
“Former teammate Sage Wagner. We have shared some memorable moments, like breaking a school record, going to the state track meet and attending cross country camp together.”
Talk about how special your family is.
“My family has made many sacrifices to give me the best opportunities possible. They have spent countless hours driving me to soccer tournaments across the Midwest and driving up to two hours for a 12-minute race. They have never missed any of my events and always double-check my bags to make sure everything is packed.”
Which do you prefer: 30 or 70 degrees for a meet?
“I would prefer 30 degrees – it beats sweating before your race starts. However, during the fall season, you want it to be cold because the colder it is, the further you have made it in your season.”
What’s something about you most people don’t know?
“I was in Taekwondo for many years and was one belt away from a black belt.”
What are your college aspirations?
“I plan to attend St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. I will compete in cross country and track. I would like to major in either Spanish education or something in the medical field.”
Tahiti or Norway for vacation?
“Tahiti would be an amazing place to visit.”
What are your hobbies?
“I like hanging out with my friends and family, anything active and outside and binge-watching ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’”
What two words describe you?
“Loud, energetic.”
What’s your favorite music genre?
“Pop.”
If you could listen to any song before a race, what would it be?
“’With My Team’ by Creek Boyz.”
If you could attend the U.S. Nationals for track and field, which event would you watch?
“I’d focus on the women’s 10,000-meter run. It’s 25 laps around the track.”
What’s the furthest you’ve run in one day?
“Eight miles at the Madison cross country Camp of Champs last summer.”
Who’s your favorite track and field athlete?
“David Coates. He’s the most decorated Division III athlete. To have him as a part of our coaching staff is an amazing opportunity.”
What three things will you miss about attending Ashwaubenon?
“The crispitos at lunch, my teammates and coaches and my Spanish teacher, Senora Oberstadt.”
What’s your earliest running memory?
“Running the Green Bay Cellcom when I was 10 with my aunt. When we crossed the finish line, we raised our hands, and a photographer caught the moment. The photo was printed on the cover of thousands of flyers and brochures the following year.”
At one point, you were playing four sports – basketball, cross country, soccer and track and field – in three seasons.
“I participated in four sports, two of which were in the spring season. I was forced to take care of my body and talk with my coaches to figure out a plan. There were times of stress and some late nights. We figured out a way for me to participate in all of the sports I love while keeping my grades up and having a job.”
Favorites
College team: The University of Miami
Subject: Spanish
Movie: “She’s The Man”
Candy: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups